Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

Overview

Inspire and lead change in your organization.

The online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree program provides specific training, growth and development in decision-making, communication, conflict and change management, strategic management, human resource management, and approaches to leadership across cultures. The program reviews motivation, ethics, creativity, strategic planning and vision, group development, teamwork, technology, and organizational development. It exposes students to theories and application of effective leadership in a variety of organizational contexts. Students learn how to manage and motivate individuals and teams and discover how to use strategies and models to effect change within a variety of leadership and organizational structures.

Online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree program graduates are prepared for management and executive level leadership positions in today's fast paced global business environment. The program studies complex and current issues in leadership as well as the social dynamics of organizations, problem solving, strategic planning, research methodology, and policy formulation.

The online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree program prepares students to advance their proficiency as well as their profession as business leaders, managers, trainers, administrators, designers and leaders in a range of business and educational settings and capacities, including work in the fields of education, entertainment, government, religious organizations, retail businesses, healthcare, business, sports, politics, and nonprofits. Graduates are leaders with sharpened aptitude, management techniques and best practices with increased opportunity for career advancement and reaching their full professional potential.

Consistent with the University student outcomes, upon completion of the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree, graduates will be able to:

Effectively communicate both orally and in writing and demonstrate proficiency in the use of information technology.

Course Requirements

Core Requirements (30 units)

Reviews contemporary issues and perspectives on organizational leadership, multi-disciplinary perspectives, and leadership models. The distinction between leadership and management, vision, collaboration and strategies to manage organizational behavior will be explored. Emphasizes the application of concepts to actual organizational situations culminating in the articulation of a personal philosophy of leadership. (3 units)

Emphasizes a pragmatic approach to resolving conflicts that arise in both non-profit and for-profit enterprises by applying conflict analysis models, tools and processes. Focuses on constructive communication, cultural awareness and sensitivity to diverse populations in a variety of settings, and reaching outcomes through the use of collaborative processes. (3 units)

Explores the breadth of communication tools available to organizational leaders for instituting change, perception, and organizational growth. Examines and evaluates communication in a variety of formats, including dyadic, small group, formal and informal communication. Collaboration strategies and their results are examined as an influence on group dynamics. (3 units)

Examines the social, cultural, and historical influences on leadership in a global society. Aspects of social forces, dynamics, and historical contexts that influence human experience will be explored. National, corporate, community, and group organizations are examined for evidence of culturally influenced worldviews and values and how they impact the workplace. (3 units)

Investigates concepts and practical techniques of organizational design and change. Emphasizes change management includes factors in transitioning individuals, teams, and organizations to a desired future state. Explores the leader's role in creating and preventing change, and strategies for coping with resistance will also be studied. (3 units)

Develops a practical understanding of how to use financial data to inform leaders in making effective decisions to carry out the mission and goals of an organization. Emphasizes understanding the role of balance sheets, cash flow, and income statements to identify drivers of financial performance and resource allocation. Case studies are utilized to provide real-world application to concepts learned. (3 units)

Emphasizes the strategic role of human resources in performing functions of recruitment, hiring, training, career development and other contemporary processes within the organizational setting. Serves as an introduction to the areas of compensation, collective bargaining, affirmative action and other regulatory procedures and requirements as they relate to applications within organizations. (3 units)

Explores the philosophical concepts behind the construct of worldview, and its control over value formation, moral, and ethical decision-making. Reviews court cases and data surrounding the intersection of legal and ethical choices made by leaders will be studied. Examines the issues that shape public policy at the local, state and federal level and the ethical dilemmas policy makers face. (3 units)

Examines the strategic planning process including formulation, implementation, and control. Provides a framework for identifying vision, core values, goals, and competitive advantage for the organization. Explores various organizational strategies from for-profit and non-profit enterprises. Develops an understanding of how to create strategic options by synthesizing various strategies. (3 units)

Provides an opportunity to synthesize the knowledge and skills learned throughout the program, and to develop an innovative, comprehensive project. May include, but is not limited to, a guided project, designing a new organization, analyzing an existing major organizational problem and recommending solutions, etc. (3 units)

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